Can a state board deny an applicant from sitting for the NCLEX exam?

Absolutely. The state board of nursing is required to protect the public from people they believe will be poor nurses. Their assessment might not always be adequate, though. But people who have "questionable pasts" may be required to fill out additional paperwork and get references from professors, supervisors, etc. You might question the board now about whatever it is that you are concerned about, something that might show up in your background check, or question the dean of your nursing school. I know a lot of people who have had to go through this process, but have eventually tested and passed the NCLEX with flying colors and are now incredible RNs. Don't give up!

Yes. State Nursing Boards do have the right to deny licensure even after completing an entire nursing program and graduating. They based their decison on the circumstance and what it involved. They also consider how long ago it was and what events were involve and then they relate it to nursing practice and the public. Usually when one appears before the board, they question you in relations to what happened in front of the entire board staff, with the board attorney usually present. I would recommend having your own personal attorney to be present with you, to be your spoke's person in the process. There have been numerous of nurses that have been issued probationary license with restrictions and or denial of licensure, especially with events such as theft, violence, illegal drug issues, court convictions, etc. Each case is totally different in regards to the outcome.

All the Best,

Praise, RN

Thanks RachelLVN, I have a hearing coming up on Oct 17 with the board. Basically, I made a mistake 7 years ago and I am very worried that they requested a hearing, I thought the paperwork I sent would have been enough. Hearing that you know of others who have gone thru this and are RNs now, is very comforting. Thank you so much for the reply!

Look at it this way...7 years is a long time, you have obviously improved...it's not like some cases we see on here where some goes, "Oh yeah, I got a DUI last Christmas, do ya think that will hurt my chances?"

If they were going to flat out deny you, they wouldn't be requesting a hearing at all...they would just send you a nice formal letter, apologizing, blah blah blah.

Consider this a POSITIVE move...there are no guarantees but a hearing means they are open to hearing your side, to see you (and you need to go dressed your VERY best), how professional you are, how articulate you are...all of those things are going to play a factor.

I wish you the best of luck. I am "all for" people changing their lives for the better, and to me, 7 years is enough time to prove it.

Yes, they can.

Yes, they can deny anyone they wish. A few years ago, I was charged with something that was later dismissed. I was required to send in documentation to prove that it was dismissed because it was showing up on my record still. This was all after I had received my ATT. I had to call and make sure that they had received the documents and approved me to take boards.

As you can imagine, this is a constant worry, not knowing if I'll have a career as a nurse or not, I can hardly function.

If I were in your shoes, while it would be natural to worry (I'm not going to tell you not to worry), I'd also keep in mind the board members are undoubtedly imbued with the nursing ethic that knowledge of a thing creates an obligation to act (if your pt once had a PE, while she's in your care, you can't responsibly avoid the duty to investigate the slightest suspicion that another may develop). So because they know of something in your history, even though it was long ago, while you're their "patient," they have no choice but to assess you to a fare-thee-well before giving you a "clean bill of health." Be proactive and positive, and be prepared to prove through witnesses and documentation (including your school records/evals, which should remain on file) that you're aware of the potential for recurrence and that you've taken every opportunity since that time to reduce the likelihood.